Abstract
With the discovery of the human genome, new frontiers in the treatment of cancer include the development of targeted biologic therapies directed at tumor-specific antigens. Novel targeted molecular therapies provide more specific antitumor activity than traditional chemotherapeutic agents while simultaneously improving toxicity. Cetuximab is a recombinant monoclonal antibody directed at the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR serves as the gatekeeper to the intracellular pathways responsible for angiogenesis, metastasis, cellular growth, and survival. EGFR overexpression has been demonstrated in several tumors, and its presence often confers worse prognosis and more aggressive tumor behavior. Recurrent and persistent cervical cancers have historically been treated with single-agent cisplatin. To date, this agent exhibits the greatest known single-agent activity against cervical tumors despite achieving low response rates of 17–38%. Molecular targeting of cervical cancers could provide enhancement of cisplatin activity. EGFR overexpression has been noted in cervical cancer, suggesting a possible role for targeted monoclonal antibody therapy in this setting.